17877513. FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE DESIGN FOR REDUCED CORROSION POTENTIAL simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE DESIGN FOR REDUCED CORROSION POTENTIAL

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Tomoki Tambo of Ann Arbor MI (US)

Ercan Dede of Ann Arbor MI (US)

Yuqing Zhou of Ann Arbor MI (US)

FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE DESIGN FOR REDUCED CORROSION POTENTIAL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17877513 titled 'FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE DESIGN FOR REDUCED CORROSION POTENTIAL

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a fuel cell system that includes two fuel cells, a cathode, an anode, a manifold, coolant, and a seal. The cathode receives a positive charge from the fuel cells, while the anode receives a negative charge. The manifold encloses the cathode and anode, with coolant surrounding them. The seal prevents coolant leakage into the first fuel cell. The cathode has a seal portion and a remaining portion, with the remaining portion being non-parallel to the anode to reduce shunt current at the seal portion.

  • The fuel cell system includes two fuel cells, a cathode, an anode, a manifold, coolant, and a seal.
  • The cathode receives a positive charge from the fuel cells, while the anode receives a negative charge.
  • The manifold encloses the cathode and anode, with coolant surrounding them.
  • The seal prevents coolant leakage into the first fuel cell.
  • The cathode has a seal portion and a remaining portion, with the remaining portion being non-parallel to the anode to reduce shunt current at the seal portion.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Fuel cell systems can be used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and stationary power generation.
  • This specific fuel cell system design with improved sealing can enhance the performance and reliability of fuel cell systems.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Leakage of coolant into the fuel cell can cause damage and reduce the efficiency of the system. The seal prevents such leakage, ensuring proper functioning of the fuel cell system.
  • Shunt current at the seal portion can lead to energy loss and reduced efficiency. The non-parallel configuration of the cathode reduces shunt current, improving overall performance.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved sealing prevents coolant leakage, enhancing the durability and reliability of the fuel cell system.
  • Reduction in shunt current improves energy efficiency and overall performance of the system.
  • The design can potentially lead to cost savings and increased adoption of fuel cell technology in various applications.


Original Abstract Submitted

A fuel cell system includes: a first fuel cell; a second fuel cell; a cathode configured to receive a positive charge from the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell; an anode disposed apart from the cathode and configured to receive a negative charge from the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell; a manifold enclosing the anode and the cathode; coolant disposed within the manifold and surrounding the cathode and the anode; and a seal disposed between the cathode and the anode so as to prevent the coolant from leaking into the first fuel cell, wherein the cathode includes a seal portion disposed adjacent to the seal and a remaining portion separated from the seal by the seal portion, and wherein the remaining portion of the cathode is configured to be non-parallel with the anode so as to reduce shunt current at the seal portion.